A REWARD of £1,000 has been put up for the safe return of a family pet which has been missing for more than three weeks.

Gizmo, a two-year-old whippet and greyhound cross, ran off from his owner Janet Kirkham on October 24 in the Tockholes area and has not been seen since.

Janet and her family, of Butterworth Brow, Brinscall, have searched everywhere for their beloved pet but they fear she could be miles away by now.

They have put up posters, followed up any possible sightings of Gizmo, put an advert in the Lancashire Evening Teleraph and are now offering a reward in the hope it jogs someone's memory.

Mother-of-two Janet said: "I took Gizmo and her sister out for a walk in the Tockholes area at about 9am on October 24. They were both off their leads and when I called them only one came back. We were somewhere between Hollins Hall and the information centre.

"It had only been a matter of minutes but with the speed they can run, with being running dogs, Gizmo could have been miles away. I don't know if she ran after something or whether someone's taken her and is keeping her locked up inside."

Gizmo is described as timid and quite distinctive, with a speckled black and light grey coat and a white tip on her tail.

Janet said: "She did have a collar with a tag containing her name, our business and home numbers. We are offering £1,000 for her safe return. She isn't worth that amount of money in dog selling and buying circles but she is worth so much more to us.

"We have contacted the local vets, police and dog wardens but so far we have had nothing."

Anyone who may be able to help the Kirkham family should contact them on 07887 850476.